The Metropolitan Police Chief is accelerating technical examination results and urgently interviewing 106 witnesses to firmly implicate the owner and partners of Na Ladprao Beer Factory. Investigations with electricity officials revealed the venue defied power overload warnings, which caused a short circuit and the ensuing fire. Authorities are also moving forward to charge “Lieutenant Nat” for impersonating an official, despite his denial of all charges; police have obtained decisive video evidence from a press conference.
On 16 July 2026, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Metropolitan Police Chief, provided an update on the investigation into the fire at Na Ladprao Beer Factory after nearly an hour-long meeting. He said investigators are thoroughly examining the true cause. Shareholder records show the owner and his mother are named, but regarding media concerns about phantom shareholders, police are interviewing staff to determine if others beyond the documents are involved. They are also auditing all financial transactions of the venue to trace any income transfers. All related parties will be summoned for questioning based on priority and urgency.
Regarding the case’s involved persons, Police Lieutenant General Siam explained that the owner’s sister, who manages the business but is not listed as a shareholder, has given statements on behalf of the seriously injured owner, who remains hospitalized with an intubation tube and unconscious. Thus, investigators have not been able to question him. Police are closely monitoring his condition daily and will promptly file charges once he can communicate. No one has yet been formally charged, but preliminary charges being prepared include negligent causing death and injury, unauthorized building alterations, negligence causing fire, and possible violations related to operating beyond permitted business scope.
Coordination with Chatuchak District Office is underway; the district has partially provided documentation regarding permit applications and is gathering remaining documents to submit. However, no formal interviews with district officials have taken place yet.
Police Lieutenant General Siam emphasized that if investigations find that the district office neglected or failed to properly inspect the building, legal proceedings will be taken against them as well.
Regarding building irregularities such as ceiling materials or the availability of fewer than two emergency exits as per standards, the forensic science division has completed site inspections and returned the area to the local police station. They are awaiting the official inspection report.
Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom revealed important forensic findings on causes of death: all victims did not die from flames directly but from suffocation due to inhaling toxic gases. Tests detected carbon monoxide and cyanide in their bodies—both substances block tissues from receiving oxygen and can cause death within four minutes if inhaled in large amounts. This toxic exposure also affected police officers who risked their lives rescuing people at the scene; they suffered respiratory irritation, sore throats, and severe smoke inhalation, as shown in news footage. All officers received treatment at Police General Hospital and were discharged safely. The national police chief expressed concern and ordered the Metropolitan Police and personnel divisions to verify entitled benefits to award honors to all involved officers.
Additionally, information from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority serves as key evidence indicating negligence. Initially, the venue requested 30/100 amps; later, usage increased and they requested a higher limit. When electricity officials attempted inspections, the venue evaded by claiming unpreparedness. This behavior suggests possible unauthorized electrical modifications causing overload and short circuits that triggered the fire. Investigators await formal reports from three main agencies: forensic division, forensic institute, and the Engineering Institute of Thailand, alongside district office documents, to compile the case file under prime ministerial directives. So far, 106 witnesses have been questioned, and the case file has been registered. Prosecutors expect to submit the case to court soon.
Police Lieutenant General Siam also added that during questioning of staff and the first customers to leave the venue, investigators uncovered a significant fact: one emergency exit door was locked with a key, requiring unlocking to exit outside. This issue is critical and will be considered alongside forensic team’s on-site inspections to determine whether all four entrance and exit doors meet standards, and how the locked door affected escape possibilities. These findings will influence related charges.
Police Lieutenant General Siam stated that “Lieutenant Nat,” who impersonated an official, has surrendered to investigators and was released on bail as he voluntarily appeared.
During interrogation, the suspect denied all charges and requested to submit written statements later. Investigators have filed three main charges: impersonating an official and acting without authority, possessing and using a radio communication device without permission, and making false statements causing public alarm. The suspect’s body armor and helmet found are undergoing further forensic examination.
Although the suspect denies the charge of possessing and using a radio, investigators have gathered concrete evidence including video footage and transcripts from a joint press conference with “Gun Jomphol,” where the suspect admitted buying the radio from Khlong Thom Market. This evidence will be included in the case to counter the suspect’s claims in court. Authorities confirm they will proceed with all three charges.
A criminal record check shows the suspect has no prior convictions or charges related to military uniform offenses. He only has a history as a complainant in defamation cases filed at Bang Yi Khan and Dusit police stations, involving unauthorized use of his images online. Investigators will continue legal procedures and keep the public informed of progress.